pushed herself back a little. “No,” she whispered. “I’m so
sorry ...”
She heard his teeth snap together and felt the raging
fury inside him, although he said nothing. She felt singed
and weary. He was right to be angry with her. She had
been silly to attempt the climb.
“Do you think you can make the rest of the way with my
help?” he asked tensely.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Slowly, inch by painful inch, they descended. She felt
his arm tensed permanently to grab her if she fell again,
and dreaded the interview that must take place at the
foot.
Then, at last, they stood upright beside the jeep. Marc
opened the door without looking at her and she wearily
tumbled into the passenger seat. He slammed the door and
walked round to the other side, got in and then sat staring
at her, his arm along the seat.
“You stupid little fool!” he said harshly. “Were you mad
to attempt that climb? I thought you were out exploring
with Pallas and Sam. It was only when Jake got back that
I discovered the truth, and I tore the skin off his back for
letting you go up there alone. I drove here like a maniac,
expecting to find you in pieces at the foot, only to see you
stuck up there, like a fledgling bird.’" He glared at her
with burning ferocity. “If you weren’t in such a state
already I would gladly teach you a lesson you won’t forget!
Never try that climb again. Do you hear?”
She nodded, silenced for once.
“Show me your hands,” he commanded, after a long